Albert E. Tapps

Albert Edward Tapps, 97, passed away peacefully at home Nov. 13, 2018.

Al was born March 2, 1921 in Rockwell City, Iowa, to Otto and Minnie (Kleemeier) Tapps. He graduated from Britt High School, class of 1939.

After farming in the Britt area, he entered the military in 1942, serving as Gunnery Sgt. Instructor training on B-17’s. After the war he attended Hamilton Business School.

Al was united in marriage to Ruth Bickford on April 4, 1953, they made their home in Clear Lake.  Al loved sales, holding various positions selling stocks and bonds and real estate. His last employment allowed him and Ruth to travel extensively, especially in the Southwest U.S. They finally settled in Rio Rancho, N.M. in the mid-eighties.

Al is survived by his sons, Lauren (Linda Collen) and Douglas, both of Rio Rancho; granddaughters, Kristina (Gilbert) Armijo and Summer (David) Hunter. He was “Granpa Al” to great-grandchildren, Aaron, Anthony, Abigayle, and Andrew Armijo, and Monique (Christopher) Applegate, David, Shyla, and Ana Hunter.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; parents, Otto and Minnie; brothers, Elmer, Raymond, Ben, and Virgil; and sister, Gladys Charlson.

As per his wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes taken to Clear Lake.